If Hillary Clinton were to lose the Democratic primary to Barack Obama next year, there are many people Obama would have to thank: John Edwards, for effectively criticizing Clinton at the debates; Norman Hsu, for creating a fundraising controversy; and Clinton herself for casting questionable votes on everything from Iraq to Iran. But the biggest ‘Thank You!’ card just may be owed to’hellip;Oprah?
Oprah Winfrey is a goddess. Not that I am a fan or anything, but the power of Oprah is undeniable. Who else can turn a bookshelf dud into a New York Times bestseller with a few well-chosen words?
It should come as good news then for the Barack Obama campaign to hear that Oprah wants to throw her (substantial) weight behind the political superstar’s presidential bid. She can deliver what not even Obama’s good looks can: women’s votes. Hillary Clinton has enjoyed a commanding lead amongst female democratic voters in the polls, but that was before the queen of daytime television decided to directly campaign for Obama.
So just how big is Oprah’s blessing? It is too early to tell, but there is no reason to suspect she will have any less impact on politics than she has on books. Huge numbers of registered female voters remain at home on Election Day, but with Oprah telling them to get off the couch and head to the polls, how many will heed her plea? I say enough. Besides, if worse comes to worst, Oprah can just hand out another thousand cars in return for their votes for her man.